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the best films of 2024

The Fopp Report

The results are in! After crunching the numbers and endlessly watching movies, we’ve put together a list of our favourite films of 2024. You’ll find our top picks, in no particular order, below. Stop by a fopp store and grab a free copy of our annual Fopp Report booklet!
Did we miss a standout? Have a favourite of your own? Tell us in the comments, or tweet us @foppofficial.

Poor Things – Fopp film of the year

 

In a year filled with remarkable films, none shines quite as brightly as Poor Things, which has been crowned Film of the Year! Directed by the visionary Yorgos Lanthimos, this extraordinary tale features Emma Stone in an Academy Award®-winning performance as the uncanny Bella Baxter. The narrative takes us on a thrilling ride as Willem Dafoe’s unsettling Dr. Godwin Baxter reanimates Bella using the juvenile brain of her unborn child, igniting a fascinating exploration of a rapidly developing mind hungry for new experiences. Beneath the surface, however, lies a powerful commentary on exploitation and agency that demands to be seen. With its striking visual style—often discomforting yet utterly mesmerising—this film is not just a cinematic experience; it is a masterclass in cinematography and an eerie allegory of a woman’s fight for liberation from oppression. Don’t miss the chance to experience this groundbreaking work that is sure to leave a lasting impression!

Priscilla

 

Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi bring to life an intimate and captivating portrayal of rock and roll’s most iconic couple in Priscilla. Faithfully adapted from Priscilla Presley’s memoir, the film delivers a deeply emotional and gripping narrative that captures both the glamour and turmoil of love and fame. It offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the infamous downward spiral of Elvis Presley’s later years, viewed through the eyes of Priscilla, a resilient and loving woman navigating a world dominated by the king of rock and roll. With its nuanced storytelling, Priscilla stands apart as a biopic that sheds light on the complexities of their relationship, celebrating the strength and individuality of the queen behind the king.

Kinds of Kindness

 

Yorgos Lanthimos weaves an unsettling triptych in Kinds of Kindness, probing the darker corners of the human soul. Starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Jesse Plemons, the film is set in modern-day New Orleans, where three interwoven narratives unfold, each echoing unsettling motifs of identity and replacement. The clever use of repertory casting enhances the film’s eerie charm, with familiar faces taking on diverse roles, blurring the line between characters and their roles in the story, while the stylish execution captivates with its striking visuals and tension. The deeper exploration of absence leaves viewers questioning the meaning behind the narrative, inviting them to reflect on life’s inherent uncertainties.

Maxxxine

 

One of this year’s most anticipated slashers, Maxxxine, has emerged as a brutal box office hit, delivering a thrilling sequel that not only amplifies the horror but also expands the legacy of a modern slasher icon. Set against the dazzling, neon-lit backdrop of 1980s Hollywood, the stunning Maxine Minx rises to fame as the city’s hottest new starlet, drawing the attention of both the public and powerful industry figures. However, her rapid rise to success quickly turns dark as unforeseen circumstances threaten everything she’s built, with a killer on the loose, a career teetering on the edge, and long-buried secrets threatening to surface, this fast-paced, spine-chilling tale is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Blink Twice

 

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut is a slick, thrilling ride that seamlessly blends sharp social commentary with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Naomi Ackie delivers a standout performance as Frida, a woman whose life takes an unexpected turn after crossing paths with Channing Tatum’s enigmatic billionaire, their encounter sets the stage for a high-stakes game of power, manipulation, and survival, with the tension mounting at every twist. Visually striking and impeccably crafted, Kravitz’s direction creates an atmosphere of unease and intrigue, with The film’s final act offering a deeply satisfying and powerful conclusion. A confident, captivating debut from a director whose future in cinema looks incredibly promising.

 Dune: Part Two

 

The dystopian desert blockbuster returns!
Timothée Chalamet reprises his powerful lead role of Paul Atreides accompanied by a star-studded Hollywood cast. We are once again cast into the Fremen culture as Paul adopts his new alias – the Muad’Dib. Witness a riveting power struggle as the two houses of Arrakis slug it out in a quest for dominance, aligning with the written source material, this sequel is a gripping tale of grit, courage and leadership that will have you glued to your screen for the entirety of its 3-hour run time. It’s impossible not to be captivated by this Oscar-winning franchise!

furiosa: a mad max saga

 

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in the latest joyride from the dystopian wasteland world synonymous with this fan-favourite franchise. Snatched from her homeland, a young Furiosa is adopted by the tyrant Dementus as a member of a supreme, savage biker horde. Adopted into a tyrannical dispute between two power-hungry warlords, Furiosa must traverse the profuse combat of a barbaric land to earn her long-overdue homecoming. As ever, intense tearaways through the barren landscape supply an abundance of adrenaline-fuelled thrills that contrast flawlessly with distinctive emotional beats: an engrossing and unmissable instalment!

Kingdom of the planet of the apes

 

The latest chapter in this unique franchise unveils a world where apes reign supreme. Following Caesar’s legacy, a thriving ape community is shattered by an attack from a ruthless tribe, stricken by loss, a young ape embarks on a journey of vengeance, forging unexpected alliances and uncovering shocking truths. Set against a stunning backdrop of a planet reclaimed by nature, tensions rise as the protagonist faces the ultimate challenge of bringing down a tyrannical kingdom and restoring peace, weaving a gripping tale of resilience.

the taste of things

 

Tran Anh Hung’s latest is a visually stunning meditation on love, food, and companionship. Set in 1880s France, it follows gourmet Dodin (Benoît Magimel) and his longtime cook and lover Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), whose lives intertwine through culinary artistry. Defying convention, the film dedicates long, dialogue-free sequences to the meticulous preparation of food, allowing the slow-burn relationship between Dodin and Eugénie to reveal itself. This isn’t just a story of romance, but of enduring partnership, where the sensuality of food mirrors the tenderness shared between them. Beautifully shot, it captures a love as rich and layered as the dishes they create.

Monster

 

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film tackles family dynamics with a sensitivity that lingers long after the credits roll. Bullying and societal pressures serve as the film’s backdrop, but the true focus is on the emotional intricacies that bind—and sometimes divide—people. It centres on Saori, a single mother, and her fraught confrontation with her son’s teacher, Mr. Hori, after a disturbing incident, instead of offering easy answers, Kore-eda shifts perspectives, peeling back layers of truth and misunderstanding. Adding to the film’s emotional resonance is a poignant score by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, his collaboration with screenwriter Yûji Sakamoto deepening the film’s introspective tone, dialogue is sparse when it needs to be, allowing raw performances to shine through with authenticity. Kore-eda has an eye for the small, telling moments that reveal the complexity of human connections and by the end, we’re left not with simple resolution but with a reminder of the power of empathy and understanding—a hopeful message in an otherwise challenging world.

 the iron claw

 

Sean Durkin’s take on professional wrestling isn’t about the spectacle—it’s about the soul. Zac Efron steps into the role of Kevin Von Erich with a performance that feels unvarnished, capturing the quiet agony of a man fighting the weight of family expectations and personal tragedy, this is Efron at his most vulnerable, and it pays off beautifully. Durkin surrounds him with an equally impressive cast—Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson add depth without overshadowing Efron’s emotional centre, wrestling itself is treated as both art and burden, with the ring becoming a metaphor for Kevin’s internal struggles. Durkin’s direction doesn’t rush; it lingers, finding beauty in grief and power in subtle moments, the film isn’t just about wrestling—it’s about survival, connection, and the cost of carrying a legacy.

Love Lies Bleeding

 

In this bold and visceral exploration of desire and danger, Kristen Stewart delivers a standout performance as Lou, a gym manager whose routine existence is thrown into turmoil by the arrival of Jackie, a bodybuilder played with fierce energy by Katy O’Brian. Director Rose Glass expertly navigates the tension between romance and darkness, capturing the magnetic pull between Lou and Jackie amidst violence and familial conflict. With its striking visuals, the film offers a playful subversion of traditional macho tropes, showcasing a connection that is as raw as it is intense. Unapologetically queer, it celebrates love in all its complexities, blending dark humour with a powerful exploration of power and vulnerability.

all of us strangers

 

In this emotionally charged drama, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal deliver performances that leave a lasting impact. Directed by Andrew Haigh, the film skillfully blends past and present, as Adam embarks on a delicate romance with his neighbour while grappling with the haunting scars of his childhood. Haigh’s direction draws you into Adam’s world with intimacy and nuance, with Scott’s portrayal of a man wrestling with unresolved trauma standing out as particularly moving. The cinematography is lush, capturing fleeting moments with a tenderness that feels almost palpable, and with a score that echoes the film’s emotional depth, this is a stirring tale about the connections that shape us, both past and present.

wonka

 

In Wonka, Timothée Chalamet takes the screen by storm, breathing life into a young Willy Wonka with the kind of energy that could only come from a rising star, the film traces the early days of this future chocolate mogul, as he fights to build his empire from the ground up. With an ensemble cast that adds flair, the film delves into a whimsical world filled with bizarre characters, with a standout performance from Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa, and a plot that feels as madcap as a sugar rush. The musical numbers are infectious, and wonka presents lively mix of family-friendly fun and unexpected thrills, this one is a sweet treat for audiences of all ages.

challengers

 

This tennis drama is a high-octane collision of sweat, love, and betrayal, where every serve feels like a punch to the gut, and Zendaya absolutely owns the role of Tashi Duncan, a tennis star whose fire and finesse set the court—and the hearts of young guns Art Donaldson and Patrick Zwieg—ablaze. It shifts back and forth between the present and their junior days, unspooling the tangled relationships between them. This isn’t just about racquets and rackets—it’s a love triangle playing out like a heavyweight match, with each swing of the racket building toward a collision of emotions, and one final match that promises to deliver a knockout punch, leaving you hooked from the first rally to the last.

beetlejuice beetlejuice

 

A summertime sequel over 30 years in the making, Tim Burton’s eccentric haunt-for-hire makes a triumphant return to the big screen. With Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprising their iconic roles, the $110 million opening weekend was almost a foregone conclusion. This time, the beleaguered Deetz family faces a new tragedy that drives them back to their infamous Winter River home. As the generational curse seems to pass to Lydia’s teenage daughter, portrayed by the acclaimed Jenna Ortega, it’s clear that the legendary name of Beetlejuice will be invoked once again. Brace yourself for round two of delightful chaos in this captivating sequel.

suzume

 

From the vivid imagination of Makoto Shinkai comes an anime that doesn’t just captivate, it envelops you with its stunning visuals and story, drawing you into a world on the brink of collapse seen through the eyes of a young girl navigating both external chaos and her own emotional struggles. Earning an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, the animation isn’t just beautiful, it’s a delicate dance of colour and movement that perfectly mirrors the film’s deeply moving narrative, creating a seamless experience that’s as emotionally rich as it is visually striking. Weaving together culture, emotion, and magic, this film serves as the perfect introduction for anyone eager to step into Shinkai’s unique world, showcasing his unparalleled ability to create something truly unforgettable.

the boy and the heron

 

From the geniuses at Studio Ghibli and the ever-visionary Hayao Miyazaki (you know, Spirited Away), comes a mind-bending, soul-stirring, Academy Award®-winning ride that feels like a dream you never want to wake up from. After the weight of war snatches his mother away, young Mahito finds himself on his family’s sprawling estate in the quiet countryside, where reality starts to slip into something far stranger. He stumbles upon a freaky, ancient tower, inhabited by a cheeky gray heron, and before long, his new stepmother vanishes without a trace. What follows is a wild trip between the living and the dead, as Mahito digs into this strange world, learning what’s been hidden from him—and ultimately what he is really made of.

Godzilla Minus One

 

In the aftermath of WWII, this Japanese Academy Award®-winning flick rips apart the old-school monster movie formula and rebuilds it as something raw, real, and downright gut-wrenching, with a Kamikaze survivor at the heart of it, tagged as a coward by society, haunted by guilt and the memory of a monstrous colossus that crushed everything in its path. His battle to reclaim his dignity mirrors the looming threat of destruction, all while wrestling with his own demons, and director Takashi Yamazaki takes the overblown titan legend, guts it, and turns it into a haunting, heart-pounding exploration of trauma, survival, and the identity of a nation that can’t escape its past, 


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